Several dozen people were killed and around 100 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, police said.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am local time while New Year’s celebrations were underway. Valais Canton police commander Frederic Gisler confirmed that “several tens of people” lost their lives in the blaze at the bar, named Le Constellation, describing the local community as “devastated” by the tragedy.
According to eyewitness accounts, pyrotechnics may have triggered the fire. A 19-year-old eyewitness, identified as Melko, told Swiss newspaper 24 heures that he had seen pyrotechnic devices placed on bottles inside the nightclub shortly before the fire broke out. He claimed the devices ignited the ceiling, causing flames to spread rapidly.
The bar was located in a basement, accessible via stairs leading to a corridor. As the fire erupted, panic ensued and people rushed towards the exit, eyewitnesses said.
However, Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the fire. “Families are waiting for answers, but obtaining them will take time,” she told 24 heures.
Pilloud said it was too early to determine the exact cause of the blaze, as experts have not yet been able to enter the wreckage, according to the Associated Press. She added that authorities are working to identify the victims and notify their families, noting that it would be “premature” to provide a precise death toll at this stage.